Where should I hang a pier glass?

These mirrors suit narrow wall spaces between tall windows, echoing the architectural layout of period drawing rooms. Placing them opposite a window also helps distribute natural light across the interior. Alternatively, they function effectively above mantelpieces or console tables where their vertical proportions draw the eye upward.

How do I distinguish an original eighteenth-century glass from a revival piece?

Original period mirrors often display slight distortions, minor oxidisation, or greyish tones within the mercury silvering behind the glass plate. Revival pieces from the nineteenth or twentieth century typically feature clearer, more uniform modern mirror glass. Examining the timber construction behind the frame and the joinery methods provides further clues regarding the actual date of manufacture.

What is the difference between a pier glass and an overmantel mirror?

A pier glass is traditionally narrow and tall to fit the wall space between structural openings like windows. An overmantel mirror is wider in proportion, designed specifically to span the horizontal space above a fireplace mantel. While both share decorative revival styles, their original architectural functions dictate their distinct dimensions.

How should I clean the frame and glass?

Dust giltwood and carved wooden frames gently with a dry, soft brush to protect delicate gesso and gold leaf surfaces. Avoid using liquid cleaners or abrasive cloths on antique gilding, as moisture causes irreversible damage. Standard glass cleaner applied sparingly to a cloth works for the mirror plate, ensuring liquid does not seep behind the bevelled edges.

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Georgian Style Pier Glass

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A georgian style pier glass brings architectural symmetry and reflected light to a formal interior, usually mounted in the narrow wall space between windows.